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In my whole 2 decades of living in Singapore, I doubt I have ever come across drinks being sold at less than S$1, especially in this economy. Imagine my surprise when I came across Sun Kee at Kovan Market selling drinks at S$0.30.
My surprise then doubled when I found out one of the drink options was Bird’s Nest. It was a throwback to my first encounter with the drink, when my mother introduced it to me as a “premium drink for the emperors we see in dramas”.
Enough of my life story, let’s zoom into the owners’ life stories instead. Run by an affectionate husband-and-wife couple, Goh Kai Suah and Chua Choon Huay, the Sun Kee Drinks stall has existed since 1985 (before I even started learning about the drinks that emperors consumed).
Before it was an established hawker centre stall, the business was helmed by Goh’s father in the 1950s, as a pushcart in Kangkar in the Upper Serangoon area. This transition from pushcart street vendor to a modern hawker centre establishment draws parallels with that of Singapore’s food evolution.
For its nearly 40 years in business, the stall has remained largely unchanged in concept, menu, and most importantly, pricing.
What to order at Sun Kee Drinks
Sun Kee has only 3 drinks on their menu: Soya Bean, Bird’s Nest drink, and Chin Chow (grass jelly drink). All of them are priced at S$0.30 for small, S$0.50 for medium, and S$1 for large. I went up to the stall and told the Uncle, “One of each please” to which he responded with “4 cups in total?”
In my anxiety of ordering while a long queue loomed behind me, I nodded my head yes, before my friend promptly reminded me that there were only 3 drinks, and Uncle proceeded to laugh endearingly. Actually, that was how I found out that they sell a fourth drink not on the menu, which is a mix of soya bean and grass jelly.
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Their soya bean drink features both sugar and no sugar versions. It was a smooth, refreshing drink, a perfect thirst quencher if you were sick of the hot sun. I recommend the lower sugar option because the soya bean flavour is more pronounced in the drink.
Next, we tried the grass jelly drink. In my opinion, it contained just the right amount of sweetness, with the drink being slightly sweeter but well-complemented by the grass jelly bites. The chewiness from the grass jelly made this drink addictive, and before I knew it, I had finished the whole cup. This drink was giving bubble tea but a healthier, hawker version.
Lastly, we tried the bird’s nest drink. This bird’s nest drink doesn’t actually contain bird’s nest, but has a fragrant pandan scent. It is the mildest tasting of the 3, maybe because the ice had diluted the drink by the time I had gotten my hands on it.
Who is Sun Kee Drinks best for
I would say Sun Kee Drinks is best for…just about anyone. If you’re in the area and looking for a thirst quencher that’s even cheaper than a 7-11 run, this place serves exactly what you’re looking for. Seeing as the stall opens from 6am and sells out by noon, it is perfectly set up for you to get in a quick morning run before ending around the Kovan area. Perhaps, instead of getting their small drinks, you could go for their medium or even large cups if you’re especially thirsty.
How to get there?
Sun Kee Drinks is located in Block 209 Kovan Market & Food Centre, just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT Station, via Exit C.
Do we recommend Sun Kee Drinks?
What initially brought me to their stall was the fact that it was covered by so many outlets back in 2023, and I was curious about how the momentary fame had impacted their stall.
Upon speaking to the owners and learning about how they are focused on sustainability, serving regulars, and less about chasing wealth, I am now leaving with newfound respect for the duo running this stall.
Hats off to Uncle and Aunty for staying true to themselves even amidst creeping inflation! I would certainly recommend dropping by to get a drink and to support them.
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